Gruff Rhys // Hotel Shampoo

Gruff Rhys, ex of Super Furry Animals,  releases his new album on St Valentine’s Day, and what could be more appropriate? With his lustrous locks and Welsh ways many ladies enjoy a secret swoon to his lilting lyrics. This album is inspired by and takes its title from Gruff’s extensive collection of hotel products acquired from touring the world, and in some ways it feels like The Forever Young Gruff is finally growing up. A dozen songs in a variety of styles are tied together with a sweet melancholy and a kind of lying-in-a-meadow feel, if you know what I mean. More laid back and folky than the uber-twee Candylion, this is a collection of gentle, sweet and ‘60’s sounding tracks which show Gruff’s maturing sound and gives a more rewarding listening experience as a result. Not to say I wasn’t a MASSIVE fan of his side project Neon Neon and its’ filthy electro habits (RIP), but this is a beautiful peaceful summery pop album and I for one will enjoy seeing him play his new tunes at the Arts Centre very soon.